Rating
| Concentration | 20 °C | 50 °C | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 % | C | C | |
| 100 % | D | D |
Material comparison at 20 °C
Resistance overview
The resistance of SAN to Phenol is concentration-dependent. Across the 2 tested concentrations (10 %, 100 %), the 20 °C rating ranges from C at lower concentrations to D at higher ones. This means engineers must verify which concentration their process actually involves before relying on a single rating. The rating remains stable between 20 °C and 50 °C, which means this material can also handle moderately elevated process temperatures without additional risk.
Application context
Phenol is commonly encountered in food and beverage processing and cleaning. SAN (Styrene-acrylonitrile) is a thermoplastic typically used for tanks, piping, containers and liners. The compatibility between these two is therefore an important consideration for engineers and procurement teams selecting containment, transfer, or processing equipment.
Practical recommendation
SAN is not recommended for use with Phenol. The D rating indicates that the material will suffer rapid and severe degradation, which may include cracking, dissolution, severe swelling, or complete structural failure. Using this combination risks equipment damage, leaks, and potential safety incidents. Consider using PMP, PP, ECTFE/ETFE instead, which are rated A for this chemical and offer reliable long-term performance.
Did you know?
Styrene-acrylonitrile was first developed in the 1940s and remains one of the most widely used thermoplastics in chemical handling equipment.
Materials rated A or B at 20 °C
Based on the row for 100 %, 20 °C.
- Thermoplastics
- HDPE B, PP A, PMP A
- Fluoropolymers
- PTFE A, PVDF A, FEP A, ECTFE/ETFE A
- Metals
- SS 316 A, SS 304 A, Aluminium A
About SAN
Styrene-acrylonitrile resists oils and dilute acids better than polystyrene, but ketones, esters and aromatic and chlorinated solvents still attack it.
Rating scale
- A very good resistance
- B good resistance
- C limited resistance
- D not resistant
- – no data
- K no general statement possible
A rating marked * is an estimate in the source, not a test result. An estimate is given as one value without a temperature.
About this data
The ratings come from the chemical resistance list published by Bürkle GmbH, which compiled them from raw-material manufacturers’ data. They describe laboratory tests on the raw material at 20 °C and 50 °C.
A finished part also sees pressure, mechanical stress, welds and mixtures that a laboratory test does not. Treat the rating as a first filter and test under your own conditions before relying on it.